Help for People with Disabilities

If you have a disability and need help paying for food and shelter, you can apply for financial help. This is called the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP).

ODSP is provided by the Province of Ontario to eligible people with disabilities.

ODSP offers:

• financial help with living expenses such as food, clothing and shelter for you and your family,

• benefits for you and your family, including prescription drugs and vision care, and

• help to find a job and to move your employment goals forward.

To be eligible for ODSP, you must be in financial need, and you must meet the province's definition of a person with a disability.

APPLY FOR ODSP ONLINE

It may take some time to become eligible for ODSP. If you are in urgent need of financial help, you can apply for Ontario Works assistance while you are waiting for a decision.

ODSP Discretionary Benefits

If you receive ODSP benefits, you may also be eligible for additional help from Ontario Works.

We can help you pay for items such as:

• moving costs

• medical equipment and health-related items

• dental care

To inquire or make application for ODSP Discretionary Benefits call us at: 

Call 705-647-7447 if you live in Englehart and South to the Timiskaming – Nipissing District border.
Call 705-567-9366 if you live North of Englehart to the Timiskaming – Cochrane District border.

Other Ways to Apply for ODSP

The quickest way to apply for ODSP is online. If you cannot apply online, you can also apply by phone or in person at the following location:

Kirkland Lake
Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services
Ontario Disability Support Program
Income and Employment Supports
145 Government Road West 
Kirkland Lake ON P2N 2E8 
Phone: 705-567-3391 / 1-800-461-4961
Fax: 705-567-5011

Mailing address: 
Ontario Disability Support Program
P.O. Box 787
Kirkland Lake ON P2N 3K4

Your Application for ODSP Discretionary Benefits

If you have applied for ODSP Discretionary Benefits and you disagree with the decision you received, you can request an internal review. It is an opportunity for us to make sure that the rules were correctly followed for your case.

To request an internal review, you should do the following:

• provide your request in writing within 30 days of receiving the decision letter

• say in your request “I am requesting an internal review.”

• explain why you disagree with the decision that was made (optional)

• include your full name

• include the nine-digit member identification number that appears on the decision letter

• sign and date the request

You can mail or drop off your request for an internal review to the following address or send it by fax to 705-567-9492. Keep a copy of your request. 

District of Timiskaming Social Services Administration Board
29 Duncan Ave N., PO Box 310
Kirkland Lake, ON  P2N 3H7
Attention: Internal Review Request

Once we receive your request for an internal review, your file will be reviewed by another Ontario Works staff member. You may get a call from the person who is reviewing your file. You should send any additional information that you think would help in the review.

Our office must finish the review and give you the results within ten (10) days of receiving your written request for an internal review. You will receive the results of the internal review in writing.

If you would like to seek legal advice about this matter, you can contact Legal Aid Ontario for the community legal aid clinic in your area. Legal Aid Ontario may be reached by calling 1-800-668-8258. You can also contact them online at www.legalaid.on.ca or by email at info@lao.on.ca.

If the original decision stands after the internal review, you cannot appeal to the Social Benefits Tribunal.